BACKGROUND: A zoning change in March sparked a dispute between two otherwise affable neighbors. Little Elm rezoned 110 acres on the tip of Frisco for high-density apartments, despite Frisco officials’ concerns about clogged roadways and crowded schools. Residents in the nearby subdivision said up to 1,460 apartments units would pull down property values. They formed a group called Neighborhoods 1st Coalition to fight the decision.

WHAT’S NEW: The Frisco school district helped squelch the debate this week when it purchased 14 acres on the edge of Little Elm. Administrators intend to use the land, just east of FM423 and south of Smotherman Road, for an elementary school. It will draw students from the apartments and alleviate some traffic woes. “Government worked like it was supposed to, kind of a novel concept,” said Greg Todd, whose home is next to the newly rezoned area. “That’s the best of all situations.”

WHAT’S NEXT: District officials say the school could serve students in potential developments west of FM423 and alleviate traffic congestion around nearby Corbell Elementary. “We were afraid if we didn’t go ahead and do it, we wouldn’t be able to,” said Richard Wilkinson, the district’s deputy superintendent of business and operations. “We are trying to prepare for future needs.”

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